How to Write Poetry

How to Write Poetry will begin by talking about the nature of English itself, and of poetry in English. The course will then quickly move into scansion, versification, and particular poetic forms. Poems will be written every week. This is a composition class, and will require reading, performance, and willingness to be involved in a collaborative critical process with teacher and classmates.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be familiar with the principle forms and techniques of English-language poetry, and know which are best for what. Students will have written many poems, and have the confidence to leave and write more. Perhaps some will even be about cheese.

Texts:

• All The Fun's In How You Say A Thing, Timothy Steele